Being a parent is the best feeling in the world. The term love becomes something else. When you realize there is something in the world that becomes everything to you, you realize that nothing else matters. Those two little hands that hug you like you are the softest pillow and those two eyes that look at you like you are everything makes you feel like there is nothing you wouldn’t do for them.
Parenting is amazing and it will fill your soul with happiness, but there are some moments when you will wish to just run away. That does not make you a bad parent, it makes you human.
For the new parents and soon to be moms, here are some things that you should know before becoming a parent.
1. Parenting is hard
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When was the last time you saw a new mom, she smelled perfect, she looked great and her kids seemed well behaved? And you felt jealous. Trust us, in isolated conditions every parent can look like it’s all fun and games, but behind closed doors, everyone falls apart.
Postpartum depression is real, parenting is hard and sometimes it will seem like everything is going wrong and you cannot do anything right. That is normal and that is okay. Just remember to breathe, take a moment for yourself and keep going. You are not alone.
2. Sleep is a luxury
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If you thought that working for 50 hours per week made it impossible to get some rest, you knew nothing. Once you have a new baby in the house you will constantly feel tired and you won’t have any time to get some rest. You will learn how to function with 3-4 hours of sleep.
Try to sleep when the baby sleeps. Use as many of those opportunities as you can. And when you get to the point where you wish you’d just scream, remember – it doesn’t last forever. You will get a real rest in a few months.
3. You won’t look as pregnant as you feel
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It’s hard for women that just learned that are pregnant to hide that feeling. Most parents don’t want to share the news with everyone till the first trimester is over. On the inside, you will feel different right away, especially in your first pregnancy, but people cannot really see it.
It will take time for your baby-bump to show and even though you will glow, your friends and coworkers cannot sniff it. In case someone comments, you can blame your belly on the lunch before you are ready to share the great news. More useful articles about pregnancy you can find on Kidsco.
4. You will be in pain
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When you get pregnant and especially when you get near the term everything will hurt. It will be hard to find a comfortable position to lay down and sleep. Back pain and swollen ankles will be part of your normal day, but there is a way to ease your sleep! GiftWits recommend a maternity pillow that will help you find a comfortable position (finally!) and get some long-needed rest.
Depending on your needs, you can find different size maternity pillows on the market. Some of them can be used during pregnancy and some of them will help you with the new baby and even breastfeeding.
5. Stop Googling everything
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You will be frightened. You will be scared. You will have no idea what to do. And you will not know if what your new baby is doing is normal. It is. Stop googling everything. It will not help you and it may even scare you more. If your baby cannot stop crying, it will be of more use to ask your mom or mother in law what to do than Google.
If you accidentally bump your baby’s head, better call your doctor than to Google it. Parents, friends, relatives who have new babies and professionals are a better option than Google. Always. Everyone is just a phone call away or a short drive away.
6. Babies are needy
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Babies need help with everything. From feeding to washing and moving. They will depend on you in every moment of their lives for the first months. Be there as much as you can for them because they literally cannot survive without you. These things will change, they will become more independent and you will have more time for yourself.
7. Invest in quality baby items
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You should buy quality items for your baby. Stuff like a crib, clothes, blankets and shoes will be crucial for your baby’s health and well-being. Choose good strollers because you want your baby to be safe when you take them out. Remember that they grow really fast, so don’t overdo it with luxury items. It’s better to buy the minimum of clothes the baby needs and buy quality items than to buy everything and to be made from bad material.
8. Listen to your parents
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Learn to appreciate your parents and your partner’s parents more now that you have a kid of your own. They know what it’s like to go through everything you are going through. They know you are scared. They know you are feeling like a mess. And they will help you every step of the way. And it’s not only because they know what it’s like to be a new parent, it’s because they know you. They’ve been with you from the moment you took your first breath. Trust them, listen to them and appreciate your parents.
9. It will be worth it
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Raising kids is a blessing and a gift. Enjoy every moment you have with your newborn because they really do grow up so fast. You are not just raising a human being here, but you are guiding the next generation. Invest your time with them and teach them how to make the world a better place. So, it may seem hard and stressful at some moments, but it will get better. It always gets better.
Parenting is a lifetime job, but trust us, every part of it is worth it. As long as you are alive you and your kids will have a special bond. You will be a parent to them when they grow up and have kids of their own. They will always seek your guidance and help. So, be patient, be loving and everything will be fine.
